100 Gifts for Guys

100 Gifts for Guys

Buying Christmas or Hanukkah presents for the guys in our lives stumps us every season, which is why we compiled our largest-ever list of gift ideas this year. You’ll find everything from stocking stuffers to big-ticket items here—all suggested by men, so you know he’ll like whatever you choose. Start browsing!

Gifts for Guys: Under $25

Gift for every guy on your list

When we asked guys what they wanted for the holidays, without even taking a sec to think about it, every single one said a premium Spotify membership. Unlike the free version, an upgraded account lets you listen to music anywhere—seriously, we’re talking computer, phone, wireless sound system, and more—all without ads. But one of the coolest features is the ability to listen to your playlists even when you’re not online. Gift cards for premium members are available for one, three, six, and 12 months.

Gift for the guy who thinks he’s Don Draper

Big square ice cubes are so last season. Spheres are in now, and these Tovolo sphere molds make some of the best we’ve seen without a fancy machine. The orb shape allows the ice to melt slower, meaning his cocktails will stay cold—but not watered-down. There’s also a kind of Mad Men vibe that comes with looking at one floating in a glass.

Gift for the nostalgic guy

Here’s a gift with so much analog awesomeness: a notebook with a cassette-tape design. The essential little-black-book company whipped these up for the 50th anniversary of the audiocassette, and it’s making guys squee the way we do when we see anything Lisa Frank.

Gift for the guy who has always wanted a sword

Gift for the next great American novelist…

…Or short story–ist. If your guy has dreams of being the next Murakami, or has read everything David Foster Wallace put out—twice—then he needs this book of some of the best shorts the legendary Paris Review has ever published, intro-ed by some of fiction’s most illustrious names.

Object Lessons: The Paris Review Presents the Art of the Short Story, $16, biggerbooks.com

Gift for the guy who prefers evenings in

Cold winter nights usually mean dates spent snuggling on the couch, so we suggest getting him a gift you both can use: Hulu Plus. Available in three-month or six-month increments, the subscription service will fuel endless TV and movie marathons.

Gift for the coffee connoisseur

How do you know if you’re dating a coffee snob? Here’s one way to tell: He doesn’t mind standing in line at the pour-over bar—even if it means being late for work. This nifty little filter cone, which brews a clean, controlled cup every time, gives him the same flavor without the wait. Clever, for sure.

Gift for the creative gamer

We never imaged see-through video-game controllers would send grown men into freak-out mode, but the second we showed these to a few guys, they, well, freaked out. Two even took to the Twitterverse to share them. Hey, if Borderlands gets even more badass in pink, more power to you.

Gift for the grizzly guy

Tweezers and nail clippers might seem like a strange stocking-stuffer choice, but several guys we polled said they prefer gifts they wouldn’t think to buy for themselves—including a pocket grooming kit.

Gift for the beer drinker

We don’t know about you, but our guys’ beer koozie collections are made up mostly of ones they received from their fraternities circa 10 years ago. They’ve (mostly) grown up since then, and now it’s time for their koozie to do the same. This leather version from Wheelmen and Co. looks good and does what a koozie is meant to do: keep beer cold.

Gift for the party-thrower

Call it Apples to Apples for the over-18 set. Cards Against Humanity is the game that’s “as despicable and awkward as you and your friends”…in a good way (and we think it would make a killer drinking game).

Gift for your little (but over-21!) brother

Gift for the very un-vegetarian

As the name of the book suggests, this collection of recipes from celebrity chef Michael Symon is full of all things meaty and delicious. We just hope you’ve got a big appetite and one large stack of napkins to test your guy’s kitchen skills.

Gift for the comic-book nerd

Don’t worry, we mean “nerd” as a term of endearment. And what better book to give yours than one that gives him the inside scoop on the beloved comic company that enriched his life with the Avengers, Spider-Man, and others.

Gift for the café squatter

He can’t turn water into wine, but with this he can turn one power outlet into four—two electric outlets and two USB ports. It’s the next best thing to make your laptop-toting, café-dwelling guy feel almighty.

Gift for the guy who travels light

Calling all guys who appreciate strokes of genius. This watch, which already passes the style test, is also a secret wallet. It has a contactless NFC payment chip that lets him add his credit-card info, so anywhere he can tap a card to pay—think drugstore, market, taxi—will also accept his watch too. Smart for runners or the very forgetful.

Gift for the design nerd

A few of us Glamour editors have these posters hanging in our offices, and every time a staffer’s guy comes in, he notices. We’re not sure if it’s the sleek design or the punk-rock grit that does it, but these modern typographic re-creations of real show flyers are a proven hit.

Gift for the MacGyver in your life

Maybe it’s your dad, your brother, your significant other, or all three, but we all know and love at least one guy who insists on solving any problem—from opening cans to fixing the screen door—using only a matchbook and a car key. Give him a few more tools in his arsenal with these multitasking titanium collar stays. In addition to keeping his collar looking sharp, they can open bottles, cut rope, and drive screws with ease.

Gift for the dude in need of artwork

It’s time for your man to tear down the posters he’s had since college and replace them with art that tells a story. Woodsnap will take any photo and print it on beautiful wood grain up to 30–by-40 inches—yes, that’s massive.

Gift for the guy who has the Force with him

Tie bars are hot. If your man isn’t so sure one is for him, get him this one with Darth Vader’s head on it. You’ll think it’s sexy, he’ll think it’s cool, and everyone will think it’s a good conversation starter.

Gift for the occasional-DIY guy

Some dudes are so handy they could probably host their own show on the DIY network. The majority, however, are more recreational carpenters. For these men, Black and Decker created the Matrix Modular Tool. It starts out as a basic drill and driver, but with one of six attachments the power base can be easily transformed into a jigsaw, detail sander, router, and more. This way, your man needs to pick up only an attachment, not a whole new tool, when he decides he really wants to refinish the nightstands.

Gift for the brewmaster-in-training

Each of the four glasses (wheat, pilsner, lager, and tulip) in this set is meant to bring out the specific qualities in certain brews. Pretty cool, huh? Whether he’s a bona fide beer snob or just likes to throw one back after work, the crystal glasses will add a whole new level of awesome to his daily pint.

Gift for the workout fiend

Whether he’s trying to shape up or he’s already a fitness junkie, the coolness of this Nike program for his Xbox won’t be lost on him. He can set goals, track his progress, and get real-time coaching with this high-tech system.

Gift for the shot-taker with discerning taste

Cocktail lovers have been using Teroforma’s Whiskey Stones to chill their drinks without watering them down for a few years now. These cool-looking shot glasses actually use the same principles to keep booze cold.

Gift for the golf enthusiast with a high handicap

These self-correcting golf balls reduce hooks and slices by up to 50 percent; they’re so effective that they are banned from USGA tournaments. But if your guy needs a boost in a game against his buddies, we’ll never tell.

Gift for the guy who forgets to pamper himself

If so much as hearing the word pamper gives your guy the creeps, this kit is for him—four products made specifically for guys, including shampoo, conditioner, skin balm, and hair putty with nothing girly about them.

Gift for the grammar guru

Gift for the guy who’s sick of his Movember mustache

At a certain point, canned shaving cream and cartridges stop cutting it—literally. Upgrade your guy to his first wet-shaving experience and he’ll be as smooth-faced as the dudes who hit the red carpet (think Channing Tatum, not Brad Pitt). This kit has everything he needs to get started.

Gift for the guy who loves The Walking Dead

Gifts for Guys: Under $100

Photo: Thinkstock

Gift for history buffs

We’re pretty sure there’s something in guys’ DNA that predisposes many of them to love history, particularly presidential history. Satisfy his need for political biographies with PBS’ American Experience: The Presidents. He’ll get more than 2,000 minutes of video on our nation’s leaders, from Teddy Roosevelt to Bill Clinton.

Gift for the Instagrammer

He’s got the gear that snaps the pics (and the raw talent, of course). Now it’s time for part two. This do-it-all photo software has been updated with smooth social and blog integration. Meme superstardom, here he comes!

Gift for the guy with good hygiene—and a sense of humor

Gift for the guy who’s always complaining about the earbuds that came with his phone

Behold, the brand-new headphone line our own guys were trying to snatch off our ears while we tested ’em. These low-profile buds are a steal for the price, especially with a separate woofer and tweeter.

Gift for the guy with a bachelor pad and a caffeine addiction

Big coffeemakers are great for brewing multiple cups, but for the guy who needs only a single serving, enter the Keurig Mini Plus Brewing System. It makes an excellent cup of joe in less than two minutes. And if he’s the kind of guy who likes to take his coffee to go, there are three cup-size options, so he can easily fill his travel mug. The Mini even comes with a variety pack of K-cups to get him started.

Gift for the guy with cold feet

Most guys won’t put slippers on their holiday wish lists. But go ahead and try to pry them off his feet once you’ve given them to him. Really, we dare you. Just give him ones like these that are warm and cozy without looking too fluffy.

Gift for the guy who’s picky about his belts

Every man needs a good black belt, and for some reason finding the right one is always a challenge. They’re always just a little too shiny or a little too rustic or a little too just-not-quite-right. So we were stoked when one of our guy friends sent us this AllSaints one made of soft-looking, semi-distressed leather. It also comes in two different shades of brown.

Gift for the runner with foot problems

Just because he needs a more supportive run doesn’t mean he should have an ugly one. Designed with extra guidance and cushioning specifically for over-pronators, these kicks kept getting complimented while one dude took ’em for a test jog.

Gift for the guy who knows Spaceballs by heart

Give him some new material with this compilation of all things Mel Brooks. From archive Tonight Show With Johnny Carson appearances to bonus 2000 Year Old Man routines, the five-disc set will make him fall in love with Mel all over again (and, likely, you too).

Gift for the well-dressed gentleman

Every dapper gent needs a pocket square. For ones who wear them often, a gift subscription to Put This On Gentlemen’s Association will get him a new square delivered to his door every other month. “This subscription gives an endless stream of squares in deadstock fabrics you couldn’t hope to find elsewhere,” one guy told us.

Put This On Gentlemen’s Association Pocket Square Subscription, $60 for a single delivery; $45 every other month for a yearly membership, putthison.com

Gift for the video-game addict (part 1)

They deprived him of a new version of the beloved Halo for years. (We’re not sure who “they” are, but according to the guys we asked, they sound like a gigantic conspiracy group we’d never want to mess with.) But Halo 4 has finally arrived—if your gamer guy hasn’t told you already.

Gift for the video-game addict (part 2)

Gift for the guy who wears French-cuff shirts

One part nautical, one part artisan, and one part bling, Michael Saiger’s cuff links are the bizarre combination of everything a guy could want that we could never quite picture together—until we saw these.

Gift for the Words With Friends addict

Gift for the multimedia devotee

If he founded the next big startup, his first present to himself would be a multiplex. For now, he settles for a really big computer screen with multiple tabs running Hulu, Netflix, and Pandora at once (close enough, right?). Our entertainment-obsessed tester loves the NeoTV Pro for how easily all his favorite TV, movie, and music stuff seamlessly aggregates into his big screen. (We love it for its price too.)

Gift for the prepster

Gift for the four-eyed guy

Warby Parker’s glasses are pretty much a no-brainer for the visually impaired fella (or even ones with 20-20 vision who just like to wear frames). They’re cute and under $100, and the company gives a pair to someone in need for every style sold.

Gift for the eco-conscious guy

New guy-grooming brand Ernest Supplies is developed by guys, for guys. And this limited-edition shave kit is especially awesome. It has natural formulas, low-profile packaging, and a travel-friendly, rugged pack that looks less like a shaving kit and more like a bear-hunting tool-roll or something.

Gift for the guy who sleeps over

In our December 2012 issue, James Van Der Beek approved socks as a go-to guy gift: “It’s the worst present when we’re eight; now that we’re 28, it’s a relief not to have to buy them ourselves,” he said. Try the Mack Weldon Overnight Pack—it comes with a T-shirt, boxer-briefs, and a pair of socks. It’s high-end and oh so luxe.

Gift for the guy who’s sick of jeans

Online retailer Bonobos was started with a single mission: to make well-fitting men’s pants for guys who want to fall somewhere in the stylish middle of the spectrum between hipster and hobo. And once you see these not-too-slim, not-too-loose, perfectly detailed slacks on the derriere of your significant other, we’re sure you’ll agree it’s mission accomplished.

Gift for the man who is attached to his phone

The Boostcase Hybrid is the iPhone case your guy didn’t know he needed. This slim-fitting, snap-on case comes with a detachable battery sleeve that charges his phone all day and doubles its battery life. Maybe you should add it to your wish list too.

Gift for the erudite gentleman

This is the first time an iPad case has made us want to don a smoking jacket and loafers and say, “Oh, pish, young lad.” Guess that’s what happens when already-beautiful handmade DODOcases get a makeover in pebbled leather for the holidays. Go all-out with a monogram if you can handle it, but don’t blame us if he starts calling you My Dear Watson.

Gifts for Guys: Under $150

Photo: Thinkstock

Gift for the guy who’s rough on his stuff

Our guy took this backpack, which has an exterior made of the same material as military tents, on his daily commute, biked with it through the rain, lugged it into the gym—all while it was stuffed to the brim—and it stood up to each test.

Gift for the guy who can’t make up his mind

Both the wallet and the money clip have merits: The former is the men’s equivalent of our purse—it fits all their essentials. The latter is more like our clutch. It’s handy for going out and feels so much lighter, but it severely limits what you can bring with you. With four credit card slots and a silver money clip, this Want Les Essentiels de la Vie leather cardholder does both. Now, if only there were a clutch that could fit our high heels.

Gift for the guy on Team Android

With features like a 4.8-inch display, HD 1080p video, mobile hot-spot capability, and the ability to transfer files with other S III phones back-to-back, the Samsung Galaxy S III stands strong as a serious contender in the great Android vs. iPhone debate.

Gift for the commuter

Guys love the e-ink experience. How do we know? We stepped onto a rush-hour train and looked around. (Oh, and we asked a ton too.) The new Kindle Paperwhite has a patented built-in front light and just about the crispest screen experience a human could ask for. “And it’s barely bigger than my phone,” one of our testers said.

Gift for the guy who won’t wear rain boots

We get it—traditional galoshes might not be the manliest things in the world, but sneakers are not meant for downpours. These outdoor boots are rugged enough for him but practical enough for the weather. Problem solved.

Gifts for Guys: Under $250

Gift for the guy who wishes he could wear a hoodie to work

Buying clothes for dudes can be tricky. Even if your guy has great taste, you still have to balance his need for comfort with your love of seeing him all dressed up. Enter the geniuses at Betabrand. They created a tailored hoodie made of merino wool, most likely the same stuff as his fancy-pants suit. It comes in gray and navy, but we think our guys will like it so much that we’re considering buying both.

Gift for the at-home DJ

The Jambox looks like a miniature piece of modern art, but it’s actually a wireless speaker that’s easy to take pretty much anywhere. And because a single charge can last up to 15 hours, you can be sure he’ll be protected against any musical party fouls.

Gift for the hard-core tailgater

He always buys season tickets. He probably has multiple coolers. He might even have his own foldable table. But we’re guessing he doesn’t have this open-flame portable grill. Hint: It’s good for camping too.

Gift for the guy who won’t put down the remote

If your man could take his TV with him, no doubt he would watch be watching it 24/7—especially on game days. With the Belkin @TV he actually can. The new device lets him watch live and recorded TV anywhere on his laptop, smartphone, or tablet.

Gift for the action photographer

The CMOS chip in this compact powerhouse means your action-loving guy can shoot at 10 frames per second and capture all the excitement at sports events, concerts, and nights out with the boys—if he wants those on film, that is.

Gift for the one-of-a-kind guy

A made-to-measure shirt is truly as one-of-a-kind as your man. “It looks sharp, feels great, and is built to your body,” one guy said. “I get more compliments when I wear those shirts than anything else in my wardrobe.” (FYI: These have a longer lead time than many gifts, so plan ahead.)

Gift for the wannabe astronaut

OK, so his big plans of becoming an astronaut didn’t pan out, but he still has stars in his eyes. These shades feature a strip of aluminum—the same material that coated the space suits of the Mercury Seven, the first group of NASA astronauts of the early 1960s. Plus, every pair sold adds $10 toward the National Science Teachers Association. (P.S. There are loads of other styles and organization pairings to consider too.)

Gift for the thrill-seeker

Whether your man likes to snowboard or surf, GoPro’s newest video camera, the HD HERO3, will help him capture every moment of his ride. The camera (one of the most durable ones we’ve seen) can be worn or mounted basically anywhere, and the latest version has built-in Wi-Fi capability, so he can share a video of that killer wave he rode practically before he gets out of the water.

Gifts for Guys: Over $250

Photo: Thinkstock

Gift for the stylish, rugged guy

Yes, he’ll like this jacket for its functionality (zip-off sleeves and waterproof, waxable canvas = wearable forever), but he’ll give it serious style points too, when he finds out that it’s also hanging in the closets of Justin Timberlake and Orlando Bloom.

Gift for the hip-hop aficionado

The Denon Urban Raver wireless headphones are built for audiophiles with an affinity for thumpy, bass-heavy music genres—rock, hip-hop, and electronic to name a few—and feature a built-in amplifier and control wheel and an app that syncs with Apple and Android smartphones to maximize listening experiences.

Gift for the guy who’s ready for his next big step in photography

At first glance, the NEX-F3 looks like the same compact camera your man could pick up for a lot less money, but tucked inside is actually the same size image sensor as the one found in a DSLR that’s upwards of $1,000. The proof is in the pictures—all 16.1 megapixels of ’em—which he’ll be in awe that he took.

Gift for the guy who wants to make a statement with his wrist

Consider this watch the statement necklace of your man’s wardrobe. It’ll seamlessly take him from the office to drinks and everywhere in between. Plus, “the gunmetal color goes with everything,” said one guy who put it on his wish list.

Gift for the guy who hasn’t replaced his fancy shoes in years

Shoemaker Allen Edmonds still manufactures all its shoes in the U.S., which is just one reason he’ll dig a pair of these gorgeous oxfords. Besides the classic-yet-modern style, this pair is “Goodyear-welted, which means they can be resoled and literally last for the rest of your life,” one guy said.

Gift for the adrenaline junkie

We know very few men who wouldn’t want to play fighter pilot for the day. Make his Top Gun fantasies come true by sending him up in the air—in a real military aircraft—to fight in five to six combat engagements. A licensed fighter pilot will be there, of course, but your man will be the one doing the work. Oh, and if you’re an adventure-seeker too, Air Combat USA offers programs for two, so you could fly against each other.